Seven major U. S. carriers, including American Airlines, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, JetBlue and two smaller carriers, have joined in a lawsuit to protest stronger federal rules governing crew rest on longer international flights. The airlines alledge the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had bypassed the usual rule-making process and the new rule would subject the airlines to “substantial burdens and costs”.The FAA rules would require that pilots on the longest international flights get more rest before flying again. The extra rest would be required even when only 10 percent of flights on a particular route exceed 16 hours. The rules are intended to cover pilot fatigue, an issue that some say is a growing concern.Source: travelpulse.com; find article here>>.